Excalibur & Excelsior: Giving recognition where it's due

ROCKFORD — Nominations are being accepted for the Rockford Register Star’s annual Excalibur and Excelsior awards.

ROCKFORD — Nominations are being accepted for the Rockford Register Star’s annual Excalibur and Excelsior awards.

The Excalibur is given to an individual for community service, excellence and making a difference in the Rock River Valley. The Excelsior award goes to an organization for doing the same.

Here’s what you need to know:

How do I nominate someone? In one of three ways: You can stop by the newspaper offices, 99 E. State St., to fill out a form; you can clip, fill out and mail the coupon in the Register Star and a nomination form will be sent to you; or fill it out here.

When are nominations due? The deadline to nominate an individual or an agency is 5 p.m. Nov. 9.

How many people/groups become finalists? The Register Star selects five finalists for each award. The finalists are announced publicly in a special edition of the Register Star, to be published Nov. 25.

When is the awards ceremony? It traditionally falls on the first Thursday after Thanksgiving. This year, the invitation-only reception will be Nov. 29 at Giovanni’s.

How long has the Register Star done this? Excalibur was established in 1971. In the early years, individuals and organizations competed for the Excalibur. Excelsior was added in 1979 to shine a spotlight on community organizations.

Who were the first winners? Bill O’Donnell won the Excalibur in 1971; Illinois Growth Enterprises won the Excelsior in 1979.

Who won last year? Jim and Pam Keeling won Excalibur; CASA took home Excelsior.

Who picks the finalists and winners? A panel of judges who are independent of the Register Star casts secret ballots. Judges’ identities are kept confidential, even from one another.

What do the winners receive? Excalibur winners receive a crystal Steuben eagle; Excelsior winners receive a plaque and a $500 check. The winners and finalists also receive invaluable publicity for their causes and organizations.